Donate now

Handbooks 

On this page you can download a ventilation handbook and a trainee handbook. The handbooks are not-for-profit, and no authors or editors have been paid.

We thus kindly ask that you to consider making a voluntary contribution (suggested donation £5 or £10) to the Intensive Care Society if downloading the books. Your contribution will go towards critical care research.

Ventilation handbook

Respiratory problems frequently precipitate admission to hospital.  The most seriously ill need advanced respiratory support and this is the commonest reason for admission to intensive care. An understanding of respiratory failure and the principles of non-invasive and invasive ventilation is thus essential for those working in this area.

This practical guide to ventilatory support is aimed at all health care professionals (nurses, doctors, respiratory- and physiotherapists) of every grade. Download the handbook as a pdf file or as an e-publication .

Trainee handbook

This handbook is aimed for anyone considering or currently pursuing a career in intensive care.  Download the individual chapters below: